Hello ladies and gents,
I live in Alberta, Canada, and I heard that once I change my name, gender, etc. that I have to report these changes to all my past employers for the purpose of reference/background checking in future jobs. Is this true?
If so, how am I supposed to do that? For example, my first job was at McDonald's, and I was only there for two weeks, and I doubt that simply calling the location I worked at will be sufficient in making those changes. They will probably tell me to call HR, corporate office, etc etc, and I don't know how comfortable I am just calling people and telling them to make those kinds of changes to my record, which my be a few years old. What can I do?
Chrissi
Hum.... well I'm not sure about Canada, but I have never told a past employer. Though I have told people I use for references. Oh, but then again my first and last name are still more or less the same. So I guess I'm cheated a bit. I would say only contact a few past employers, etc. For me is was more important that I let some past clients know so they could get the gender right.
I'm not in Canada either but I wouldn't unless I had to for references. My past job I was self employed for 15 years, and I'm out at my current job.
Jay
I made copies of my name change court order and mailed them to a pair of former employers with a letter stating that any reference to my old name if someone called to verify employment would result in a law suit because the court order makes it very plain that I will be "known by the name, ****** *******, which he/she is authorized to assume, and by no other name."
To be honest, I didn't check to see if they were following my request, but I did get another job afterward so I figure, at least, it didn't do any harm.
hugs & smiles
Emelye
Hi Icephoenyx,
I sent the HR dept at my ex-employer a request to change my records to reflect the name change. I also changed my name with my university so I could prove I have my BA. Another spot to change them is with credit reporting agencies, as credit checks are now often part of the hiring process. So far I have gotten a number of job interviews and an offer, so I don't believe it should be a long term problem.
Hugs,
Rhonda
Rhonda,
So you did this request with your past employer with your name, but what about gender (if it has been legally changed)? Is it safe to assume that I should only bother changing names for employers I want to use for a reference and if my previous jobs were related to the job I am applying for?
And if I don't work there anymore, how can I get a confirmation that the request went through?
Chrissi
I told them name and gender, and this was a month or two before the name change was legal. I did not bother with employers over ten years old, as that was the length of time most applications asked about. Also I had to notify the people I wanted to use as personal or professional references, some of which were from a previous job and did not know of my transition. Let me tell you how news can travel, many people from my old company have spread to at least 5 other companies around here, so you can get outed that way. :(
Hugs,
Rhonda